Effective PowerPoint® Presentations for Biotechnology

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1 Effective PowerPoint® Presentations for BiotechnologyConsider the messageConsider the audienceBe professionalBe conciseA graphic on each slideText on each slide

2 How to Get Started Plan time to “play around” with the PPT “you have”<< i.e. bad graphicPlan time to “play around” with the PPT “you have”Play around with margins, spacing, and importingLearn the features of the pull down menus and toolbarsLearn the features of the Toolbox including the galleriesIn the “Format” Menu, play around with:slide layoutsbackgrounds and themesbullets

3 Fonts Calibri, Arial, and Helvetica fonts are easy to readAvoid Times New Roman, Palatino, etc. (difficult to read)Use no font size smaller than 24 pointTitle each slide with a larger font (35-45 point)Use a single font for most of the textUse (a few) different colors, sizes and styles for impactAvoid italicized fontsNo more than 6-8 words per lineUse dark text on light background (easier to read)Avoid light fonts and dark backgrounds(difficult for some people to read)Do not use all caps except for titles

4 Graphics and Design Keep the background consistent and subtleUse a minimum amount of text with charts or graphsKeep the design clean and unclutteredLeave empty space around the text and graphicsUse quality clipart and use it sparinglyLimit the number of graphics on each slideAvoid flashy graphics and noisy animationLimit the number of transitions used

5 General Presentation Check the spelling and grammar on all slidesDo not read the presentationPractice the presentationGive a brief overview at the startIt is often more effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time. Try “action button” effectsAvoid sound effectsIf the content is complex, pause for audience understandingDo not turn your back on the audience